Prof. Yaw Afari, Director of Educational Studies at the GNAT Institute for Research and Industrial Relations Studies (IRIRS), emphasized the critical role teachers play in empowering the next generation of Ghanaians, particularly in peacebuilding and democratic governance.
He noted that while the impact of the next generation will be fully realized in the future, their contributions to democracy and peacebuilding are already significant. Teachers, he stressed, have a vital responsibility in shaping this direction.
“If teachers are to empower a generation, then their role becomes indispensable. We are focusing on democratic governance and peacebuilding, key values we aim to embed deeply in our society,” Prof. Afari said.
He shared these insights while delivering a presentation on the topic, “The Role of the Pre-tertiary Teacher in Peacebuilding and Democratic Governance,” at the 76th New Year School held at the University of Ghana, Legon, last Wednesday. The event was themed “Empowering the Next Generation.”
Key Focus Areas
Prof. Afari identified four critical areas that teachers should prioritize to effectively empower the next generation, aligning their efforts with the goals of fostering peace and strengthening democracy.
Prof. Yaw Afari highlighted the importance of integrating civic education on peacebuilding and democratic governance into all subjects taught in schools, not just social studies. He noted that if every teacher incorporated civic education into their lessons, the values of peace and democracy would become deeply embedded across the nation.
He emphasized that pre-tertiary teachers are present throughout the country, making them key players in instilling these values. By weaving civic education into various subjects such as mathematics, language and literacy, geography, and music, children would develop an appreciation for maintaining peace and participating in democratic processes.
“Civic education doesn’t have to be limited to the NCCE or social studies. It can be included in all subjects taught in schools. This approach would make it easier for children to understand the importance of peace and their role in democracy,” Prof. Afari stated.
Rights and Values
He explained that this approach would also teach children about human rights, democratic values, cooperation, networking, and critical thinking with 2025 skills essential for fostering unity and active citizenship.
Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution
Another critical area he mentioned was equipping students with peacebuilding and conflict resolution skills. Prof. Afari observed that schools function as micro-communities, where diverse individuals gather and interact. Teachers, therefore, should introduce basic conflict management skills, enabling students to mediate and resolve conflicts effectively.
“By teaching conflict resolution in schools, children can learn how to handle disputes constructively, fostering a more harmonious learning environment,” he said.
Building Partnerships
Prof. Afari also emphasized the role of partnerships in empowering the next generation. He encouraged teachers to facilitate collaboration with local authorities, traditional leaders, and community organizations to promote peacebuilding and democratic governance.
He added that schools should also promote networking among students from different schools, helping them develop empathy and mutual understanding. This, he said, would enable learners to appreciate diversity and respect individual differences in how people interact, communicate, and express themselves.
“Individual differences are inevitable, and understanding these differences helps foster a sense of empathy and appreciation for diverse personalities within the school environment,” Prof. Afari concluded.
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